Singapore takes over Lee Kuan Yew’s 38 Oxley Road site
What’s next: Heritage officials will study how to turn the property into a public space, with no public access for now.
Singapore’s government completed the acquisition of 38 Oxley Road on Friday, taking possession of the former home of founding Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew after it was designated a national monument and later gazetted for acquisition. The National Heritage Board and Singapore Land Authority said the site will be preserved for its historic and national significance. The board will now study options for developing the property into a public space while respecting Lee’s wishes for privacy, and maintenance work will begin with the site closed to visitors. The move revives a long-running dispute over the house, which Lee said he wanted demolished. His son, Lee Hsien Yang, renewed his criticism, calling the takeover a disregard of his father’s wishes.